IT is without a doubt one of the most highly sought after career fields in the world today. There is a lot to be said about the immense potential of a career in IT. This is especially true now as the digital era continues to go from strength to strength, firmly establishing its presence on an international scale. Careers in fields like this are becoming more highly sought after as individuals around the globe and companies alike are realising that they are fields that are becoming more ingrained in the way that modern society functions and thrives.

So many students around the globe make the decision to study IT and they know full well that this decision is one that does not come lightly. This is not a university degree or a career path that comes without significant hard work and determination – even (and especially) when other fields of interest may not require as much of the same to be successful. The individuals who are willing and able to put in the hard work are the ones who will get ahead in the IT field. So, how can students successfully build a career in IT? 

Constantly learn – especially outside the box

Yes, your courses are important. However, it is also just as important (if not sometimes more so) to consistently learn outside the box and outside the classroom. You can only learn so much in your classes and when you take it upon yourself to be learning outside of that traditional framework as well you are essentially putting in the work to further your skills and talents in a way that ensures that you are effectively and successfully exceeding the expectations. This will put you in a better position for career prospects throughout your IT career and in life in general.

Build your own projects while still at uni

Whether it is working with a company like AppVelocity or taking it upon yourself to build your own projects entirely on your own, it is important to be building your own projects while you are still at uni and obviously as well as after the fact. The reason for this is that when you are building your own projects. you have more of a portfolio and a higher level of experience that makes you more desirable to future prospective employers or collaborative partners. Building your own projects also means that you are learning not just theoretically but literally in ways that give you a real world experience before you have even really dived into the industry outside of your university student experience.

Consistently expand your network

The professional network that you build in the IT industry will often end up being the very same network that helps you to not only make the most of the industry but also that informs you about new projects that come out of the woodwork. Expanding your network also means that your reputation will begin to proceed and people will want to source you for the work rather than the other way around. And that is always a positive thing, so long as your work is of high quality and you are a dignified professional.